An Introduction to FISHING Fishing

Home , Bottom fishing, Crappie, Spin fishing

ishing is a great way to spend “God never did make a more calm, Fa day. You can take a lunch and quiet, innocent recreation ....” picnic as you fsh. You can camp Izaak Walton near a lake. You can hike or boat to a fshing spot. Many people build their vacations around fshing. Be sure to take your family or your friends along, for there is no more sociable activity. Missouri has more than 800,000 acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fshing. Our waters hold ancient paddlefsh, wary largemouth bass, and tasty bluegill—more than 200 diferent species. About 40 of those fsh species are the targets of anglers. Some Missourians fsh for sport or relaxation, while others fsh only for food. Regardless of motivation, the majority of anglers reap all the benefts of fshing. They spend quality time on the water and then return home to a satisfying meal of fried or grilled fsh they have caught themselves. One of the joys of fshing is that it can be fun and productive at any skill level. You can complicate the sport with jargon and sophisticated equipment, but the whole sport can be pared down to some basic equipment and techniques. This publication presents those basics to you. It would take many volumes to introduce you to all the species of fsh, all the methods, and all the lures, and so much information at once would be overwhelming. Instead, we want to be your guide for your frst fshing trips. Let us go with you hand-in-hand to the water and patiently teach you how to catch some fsh. We know that once you start fshing, you will quickly learn to love the sport. David Stonner Stonner David

2 | An Introduction to Fishing Rod Tip

Rod and Reel Spin-fshing reels are of two types: closed-faced (or spin-casting) and open- You could catch fsh with a stick, some faced (or spinning). The spin-casting reel string and a safety pin. In a similar vein, has a cap with a hole in it over the top of you could also drive nails with a rock. But the spool. On the open-faced reel, you can wouldn’t it be easier to use a hammer? see the entire spool and the line wound on Modern fshing reels, rods, line, and it. (See illustrations on page 7.) hooks take the place of a stick, string, and Closed-faced reels have either a push pin. They are designed to improve your button or a lever that, when depressed, fsh catching ability and to decrease your allows line to fall of the spool. Open-faced frustration. Like the hammer, a fshing rod reels have a semicircular metal device and reel is a purchase that will serve you known as a bail, which guides line onto the over and over again. spool when closed and allows line to be Line Fortunately, taking this giant released when open. Guides evolutionary step from stick and string to a You can pick either spin-casting or modern and suitable fshing rod and reel is open-faced reels. Note from the pictures on not expensive. Page 7 that the push-button reel requires You might start by borrowing some a diferent rod handle and grip than do the equipment from a relative or friend to reels with a bail or a lever. begin fshing. Your request could lead You will want a good, all-purpose to a fshing outing with an experienced rod-and-reel combination to start with— partner. You could also use equipment something that will let you catch fsh of all from the many Missouri Department of sizes. Look for or ask a clerk in a sporting Conservation (MDC) rod and reel loaner goods store for a medium-light rod from 5 locations (available online at short.mdc. 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet long and a matching reel mo.gov/Z4X). that will handle lines from 4-pound test to Most beginners use spin-fshing 12-pound test. (The “pound test” tells you equipment. In spin fshing, the reel lays line how strong the line is.) Medium-light tackle around a fxed spool, the way you might is sufcient for fshing ponds, small lakes wind thread on a spool. The spool end and rivers, and even trout parks. points toward the guides on the rod, and line falls of it in loops when you cast.

Thumb Button Drag Adjustment Rod Handle Trigger Cover

Line Opening Grip

Reel Seat

Reel Handle Rod and Reel photos: Clif White

An Introduction to Fishing | 3 Shopping List • A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations • Bait and lures • Hooks » Size 6 » 16–20 • Sinkers » Assorted sizes of split shot » One package of three bell sinkers, ½ ounce • Bobbers • Spare fshing line » Monoflament line, 6- to 12-pound test » 4-pound test or less • Needle-nosed pliers and nail clippers • Tape measure • Stringer (or fsh basket) Stocking a Basic Tackle Box • Landing net Sporting goods departments and bait shops often stock mind-boggling • First aid kit inventories of equipment and accessories. They ofer artifcial baits in every color • Sunscreen and insect and size. Plus you’ll encounter a whirlwind of bugs, bobbers, sinkers, hooks, and repellent swivels. • Area map Don’t be misled; you don’t need a garage full of equipment to go fshing. In • Know Your Catch fsh ID fact, the following basic items will equip you nicely for your frst outings. booklet

Line: Your Link to the Fish We suggest starting with 8-pound test monoflament line. People sometimes use lighter line to cast farther or to get more bites from skittish fsh or heavier lines to pull out of snags, but 8-pound test line is a good compromise for most fsh. Choose clear, light blue or green line for your starting outft. Check your reel or the instructions that came with it to determine how much 8-pound-test line it will hold. Usually a 100-yard spool is large enough to fll a medium-light reel. Follow the instructions that come with your reel and line before flling. The reel is full when the wrapped line is about 1/8 inch from the outside edge of the spool. Don’t allow knots in your line, except at the end. Knots both weaken line and make it difcult to cast. Fish: David Stonner; Tackle Box: Clif White

4 | An Introduction to Fishing Casting

Casting is a mechanical activity. The fshing rod extends your arm and allows you to “throw” your lure or bait a long reel should all be in distance with little efort. Keep in mind that casting is a direct line with the right matter of timing, not strength. eye, right foot, and target. This We’ll teach you a reliable one-stroke cast. places the rod and lure in natural line You can learn to cast on the water, or head to your with the target. Keep your eye focused backyard or a nearby park and throw to targets on the grass. on the target during the entire cast. Practice with a bell sinker or a casting plug attached to the end of your line. A few 10-minute sessions will make you Cast profcient enough to fsh. There are six steps to a successful cast: grip, stance, aim, cast, release, and follow-through. Hold the rod so that the tip is at eye level and centered on the target. Your elbow should be close to, but not touching, your body. With a smooth upward motion, start Grip the cast by raising your hand almost to eye level, bending If you are right-handed, grip the rod handle with your right the wrist and elbow so that the rod extends over your hand, placing your forefnger on the rod handle trigger. If head and behind you. When the rod reaches the 11 or 10 you are left-handed, grip the rod handle with your left hand, o’clock position, the weight of the plug will cause the rod placing your forefnger on the rod handle trigger. Place your to bend to the rear. As it does, bring the rod forward in a thumb on the release button but do not press it yet. crisp downstroke with the forearm, applying only a slight wrist motion forward. Release When your forearm, wrist, and rod reach the 1 o’clock position on the forward cast, release the push button with your thumb and allow the plug to travel toward the target. Line is released when the push button is released. The correct release usually occurs when the rod is between 1 and 2 o’clock, but this will take some practice. Follow-through As the plug is released, your arm should follow through to about the 3 o’clock position. Stance Note: The cast should begin with the plug hanging about 1 inch below the rod tip. If more casting distance Face your target with feet shoulder-width apart. If you are is needed, increase the starting distance from the plug right-handed, put your right foot forward. If you are left- to the rod tip in 1-inch increments, until the desired handed, put your left foot forward. More of your weight distance is obtained. The farther the plug starts from the should be on your forward foot, also known as the aiming rod tip, the harder it will be to achieve accuracy. Holding foot. Keeping your body and target in a straight line the plug against the rod tip can cause excessive wear to increases your chances for a successful cast. the tip guide, which can afect accuracy. The best rule of thumb is to start with the plug hanging 1 inch below Aim the rod tip, and then experiment. Aiming has already begun with a proper stance. The Of course, you’ll get even better with more practice. casting arm, the rod, and eye need to be in alignment. If your lure shoots up in the air and doesn’t go very Place the rod in front of your body, pointing at the target. far, you probably released the line too early. If the lure Keep your elbow bent at approximately a right angle. Keep smacks into the ground in front of you, you released the your eye on the target and not the rod. Make a point to line too late. check to see what’s behind you. Press the push button Remember that the cast has no sudden or jerky with your right thumb (if you are right-handed) and raise motions. Practice until it becomes smooth and nearly efortless. Reel: Clif White; Casting Illustration: David Besenger David Illustration: Casting White; Clif Reel: the rod to the 2 o’clock position. The right hand, rod, and An Introduction to Fishing | 5 Filling the reel spool How to tie an arbor knot Thread the line through the spool cap or under the 1. Wrap the tag end of your line around your reel spool. bail to start. Tie one end of the line to your reel spool 2. Tie an overhand knot in the tag end. This will keep with an arbor knot, and then reel it on. Most spools of the end from pulling through the main knot. line come with suggestions on how to avoid line twist 3. Tie another overhand knot with the line around the when flling your reel. spool. 4. Wet the main knot and pull it down tight onto the spool. Make sure the frst overhand knot pulls in tight to this main knot.

How A Drag Works Fishing reels have a drag to prevent the weight and pull of a fsh from snapping the line, making it possible to land even large fsh with light lines. Before fshing, set the drag to release line before the breaking point of the line is reached. When a big fsh is pulling, line will come of the reel, sometimes making a clicking sound. Learn to recognize when the drag is letting a fsh run and don’t reel during that time, or your line will twist. Avoid the temptation to tighten the drag while fghting a fsh. Clif White

6 | An Introduction to Fishing Finer Points All anglers do not cast alike. As you fsh, you will develop • Longer rods generally allow you to cast farther, if they your own casting style. You will also learn special casts, are correctly matched to the weight of the lure or bait. such as the sidearm cast or underarm fip, that will allow Make sure your reel is flled to capacity, so the line does you to throw a lure when branches or brush make the not drag on the reel spool. overhand cast impossible. All casts, however, depend on • If you need more distance, use a two- hand grip and the basic back and forth motion. That’s the best way to bring the arm back more quickly on the backcast, take mechanical advantage of the rod. Here are some tips loading the rod with more energy potential. to improve your casting: • Casting into a strong wind requires a lower trajectory, • Accuracy is often more important than distance. Many which is achieved by releasing the line slightly later in fsh remain near protective cover and will strike only the forward part of the cast. those lures that come into their immediate vicinity. • If your lure bounces or skitters across the water, you are • Improve your accuracy by casting to defnite targets, releasing the line too late. Release earlier for a higher even while on the water. Make sure you focus on your trajectory. Remember the bouncing technique, though, target while casting. for you may someday want to skip your lure under a • If you sense you’ve cast too far, you can slow the lure dock or raft. by providing some drag on the line with your fngers or • Many problems with distance or accuracy result from by lifting the rod so that the line drags against the end holding the rod too tightly. Use the minimum amount guide, instead of fowing through it. of force necessary to hold the rod through the cast. • Casting heavy lures or baits requires more of a lob Seizing the rod tightens muscles and restricts fuidity, than a cast. Increase slightly the distance between especially in your wrist. The lighter the grip, the more the lure and the rod tip, and use more of a sidearm control and distance. cast. Bring the rod back more slowly and pause longer before beginning the forward cast. Use your entire arm, instead of just the forearm, for casting.

Spin-fshing reels and rods and how anglers hold them Open-faced reel Spin-casting reel The rod is held in the right hand with the reel on the The rod is held with the reel up. Cast with the rod in underside for both casting and retrieving. Right-hand the right hand and switch the rod to the left hand anglers reel with their left hand. Closed-faced reels before retrieving. Reel with the right hand. (Some with levers are also held in this position. reels allow you to switch the handle to the other side of the reel if you prefer.) Clif White

An Introduction to Fishing | 7 Rigging Up

Now that you’ve acquired some fshing gear and learned how to cast, it’s time to arm your fshing pole for action. The end of your line is the scene of all the action. Here you’ll tie a hook or lure and, perhaps, fasten on split shot sinkers, swivels, or bobbers. Use the improved clinch to tie on hooks and lures. Improved Clinch Knot Rubber Grip Egg Bullet Split Shot There are dozens of diferent knots, but most anglers settle on one or two favorite knots to tie line to reels, hooks, swivels, and lures. The improved clinch knot is 5. Pull on both the line and the tag end to tighten strong and easy to tie, even with cold, wet fngers. the knot and snug it up to the eye. The knot will come together more smoothly if you moisten the line with saliva 1. Run the end of the line through the eye of a hook before tightening. Trim the tag end about 1/4 inch away about 6 inches and fold it back on itself. from the knot. 2. Leaving a loop (Loop 1) near the eye, wrap the end of the line around the standing (or long piece of line held in Finished Knot your hand) about fve complete turns.

Standing Cord How you rig depends partly on the kind of fsh you hope to catch. Catfsh usually search for food near the Loop 1 bottom, so you need weight to keep your bait near the fsh. Crappie and many other panfsh often swim a few feet beneath the surface, and a bobber will hold your bait up where the fsh can see it. 3. Pass the end back up through Loop 1 (the loop beside Generally, use the lightest tackle you can. Holding your the eye). This creates another loop (Loop 2) between the bait on the bottom of a pond on a calm day, for example, standing cord and Loop 1. doesn’t require a large sinker. One or two split shot will do, and the lighter weight is less likely to alert fsh that are Loop 2 sampling your bait. Standing Similarly, use a small bobber and balance it with Cord Loop 1 enough split shot beneath that the fsh can pull your bobber down without much resistance.

Spring Slip Foam Plastic Torpedo Round 4. Pass the end down through Loop 2 and out along the side of the standing cord. You’ll fnd it helpful to use the fngers holding the hook to help you guide the end through the loop. •

Loop 2 Standing Cord Sinkers and Bobbers: Clif White

8 | An Introduction to Fishing What you should use for bait also depends on the kind Baited Hooks of fsh you’re after. (See the chart on Page 11.) The best all around bait is probably a worm or a part of a nightcrawler, Keep baits fresh. With few exceptions, fresh bait will attract both of which will catch panfsh and trout, as well as most more bites than old bait. larger species. Hook the worm several times through, or pinch of part of a nightcrawler and run the hook through it.

Bobber Rig

4 to 10 inchesl

4 to 10 Bottom Fishing Rig inches David Besenger David

An Introduction to Fishing | 9 Hooks come in many sizes and shapes. An ideal hook Types of Lures and Baits is one that is small enough to slip into a fsh’s mouth, yet large enough to hold its lip securely. Hooks are measured with a numbering system that runs from No. 20 to No. 0 — the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. For example, Oversized Plug a No. 20 hook is much smaller than a No. 6 hook. p When fshing with natural or live bait, a package with an assortment of hooks ranging from sizes No. 6 through No. 10 is good to have. However, when fshing for catfsh or other large fsh, larger hooks are needed, such as No. 2 through No. 6. Trout fshing requires small hooks in the No. 14 to No. 20 range.

Large Aberdeen Bait-holder Treble Bucktail Spinner

Spoons

Aberdeen Hook The Aberdeen hook has an elongated shank and wide gap. Mostly used with worms, minnows, and insect larvae, Crankbaits the Aberdeen allows for easy removal from a fsh, as the shank is usually visible for easy access. This hook is a good beginner’s hook. The long shank helps anglers get a safer feel for unhooking fsh, and baiting is easier than if using short-shank hooks. Bait-holder Hook Bait-holder hooks are recognizable by a series of two or more barbs on the shank. Anglers who fsh with nightcrawlers often use them. These barbs help hold the worms on the shank. This keeps bait on the hook longer and limits bait loss from small fsh that try to pull the worm of the hook. Flies Treble Hook The treble hook is actually three single hooks stuck together. Used most often with lures, but are also used to hold doughbait or stinkbait because they hold soft bait better than single hooks. Hooks: Clif White; Spoons, Crankbaits, Flies: David Stonner

10 | An Introduction to Fishing Bait Chart Species Baits Lures* Bluegill worms, insect larvae, crickets jigs, fies, small spinners Crappie minnows, worms jigs, spinners, small crankbaits Catfsh worms, stinkbaits, cheese, cut bait occasionally take jigging spoons or crankbaits Bass minnows, nightcrawlers plastic baits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, topwater lures, jigging spoons Carp worms, doughballs rarely strike artifcials Trout** worms, minnows, grasshoppers, dough balls spinners, small crankbaits (e.g., crayfsh imitations), fies Walleye minnows, nightcrawlers jigs, crankbaits, jigging spoons Muskellunge large minnows large bucktail spinners, oversized plugs * Choose sizes and lures based on the size of the fsh. Don’t expect bluegills, for example, to eat a big minnow or muskellunge to attack a small fy. ** Many trout fshing areas have restrictions on natural baits, so check the Wildlife Code of Missouri before venturing out.

E-

Yl• Spinnerbaits Jigs

Soft Plastic Lures Surface Lures David Stonner Stonner David

An Introduction to Fishing | 11 About Fish

Fish are cold-blooded, which means that their body trout. Catfsh have a tough skin, instead of scales. Growth temperatures are about the same as their surrounding marks on scales reveal the age of fsh, just as tree rings environment. Because they don’t produce body heat, fsh show the age of trees. must fnd and remain in water that they are adapted for. The life span of most of our gamefsh is about 4-6 years, A fsh’s streamlined shape helps it move through the but some of them live more than 10 years. Fish continue to water. The water also helps “foat” fsh; many species grow in length and girth as they get older. can make themselves lighter or heavier in the water by Many fsh swim in groups or schools; solitary fsh may increasing or decreasing the amount of gas in their swim concentrate when a feeding opportunity presents itself. bladders. Some fsh wander constantly in search of food; others A fsh swims by alternately contracting muscles along have narrowly defned home ranges and wait for food to each side, which causes its tail to sweep and propel the come close enough to ambush. fsh forward. The smaller fns assist with forward and Fish often make regular daily movements between backward movement, provide stability and steering, and feeding and resting places, seasonal movements to may help the fsh brake. summer and winter habitat, and annual movements Fish markings usually serve as camoufage. For to traditional spawning areas. Many species travel long example, fsh that are found near rocks or weeds often distances to spawn. Spawning activity concentrates fsh have blotches or bars on their sides. Many fsh are dark on and makes them easier to fnd and catch. top and light beneath, making them more inconspicuous when viewed from above or below, respectively. Most fsh have scales, which are embedded into the skin and are arranged in overlapping rows. Scales may be Can they hurt me? thick and tough, as in the sunfsh, or extremely small, as in Fish are not inherently dangerous or threatening; however, careless handling can result in unpleasant cuts or punctures. Handle fsh frmly, Fish Senses but carefully, or use a landing net to stabilize fsh while you unhook and measure them. Lateral line: Nerve endings along a row of The catfshes possess a mild, but painful, venom pores on either side of a fsh from gills to tail that can be introduced when a person is pricked detect minute changes in fow or water pressure, by spines at the front of the pectoral or dorsal allowing the fsh to detect other fshes, preferred fns. Protect yourself by holding the fsh from the habitats, predators, and other objects. underside, with your fngers frmly beneath the Touch: Fish can detect minute temperature pectoral spines. The barbels of catfsh are harmless. diferences and can discriminate between hard Bass, crappie, and small catfsh can be safely and soft baits. Fish are more likely to hold soft bait held by putting your thumb into their mouth and longer. pinching their lower lip. Walleye, gar, and large Sight: Fish are able to see well, but not in muddy trout have sharp teeth that can infict a painful water or low light. Out of the water, a fsh’s vision is wound when lipped. Grip these fsh around the very restricted. back of the head, above the gills. Hearing: Water conducts sound better than air, White bass, striped bass, and walleye have sharp and fsh hear directly through bone structures in edges on their gill plates that can slice a fnger. their head called otoliths. Noise on the bank or The fns of sunfshes, bass, and the walleye dock may attract or spook fsh. family become rigid when the fsh is threatened. Taste: Most fsh do not rely much on taste, Slide your hand down over the fns of small fsh but catfsh and bullheads have taste buds and hold them frmly. Grasp larger fsh over the concentrated on their barbels (whiskers) that help back of the head, above the gills. them fnd food. Don’t let a struggling fsh sink your own hooks Smell: Fish have a nasal sac to help them detect into you. Keep hands and legs away from fopping odor. Night feeders or fsh that live in muddy fsh and use hemostats or needle-nose pliers to water have a highly refned sense of smell. safely remove the hooks from fsh.

12 | An Introduction to Fishing Soft Dorsal Fin Spiny Dorsal Fin

Caudal (Tail) Fin Pectoral Fin Nostrils

Scale

Lateral Line

Dorsal Fin Operculum (Gill Cover) Backbone Anal Fin Pelvic Fin Swim Bladder Muscle

Brain

Tail Fin

Scales

Gills Lateral Line Aquatic Food Web Heart FIG. 5.3—Food webs are Anal Fin interconnected food chains that Urinary Bladder show the feeding relations within Stomach a community. A food chain shows what eats what. Where arrows Liver Pelvic Fin converge, competition may occur.

Great blue heron Secondary consumers Aquatic Food Web Largemouth bass A food chain shows how energy from the sun moves from producers (plants) to herbivores (plant eaters) to carnivores (meat eaters) Green sunfsh Gizzard shad and omnivores (plant and meat eaters).

Food chains show what eats what. However, Producers Primary consumers because most animals eat many diferent Caddisfy larva kinds of plants or animals, diferent food Muskrat chains are interconnected. Understanding aquatic habitats and food Bullfrog tadpole Pond snail webs can help us be successful at catching Daphnia fsh. If you know what makes a fsh a fsh (its anatomy and how it uses its body parts to move, etc.), what your fsh looks like (fsh identifcation), where it likes to live and hide Algae Cattail (its preferred habitat), and what it likes to eat, Coontail you will know where to fnd it and how to catch it.

Crayfsh Represents one complete food chain Worm Represents a feeding relationship Bacteria Represents return of nutrients to the food chain through the actions Decomposers and scavengers of scavengers and decomposers Largemouth Bass: Joseph Tomelleri; Scale: David Besenger; Fish Cut-away and Food Web diagram: Mark Raithel of scavengers and decomposers An Introduction to Fishing | 13 Common Missouri Fishes Largemouth Bass Largemouth bass are plentiful in lakes and ponds. Even a small pond may hold big fsh. They often hold near cover, such as aquatic vegetation, docks, or timber. Bass eat fsh, crayfsh, large insects, and occasionally, frogs, mice, snakes, or other small animals. Adult bass commonly run 10 to 20 inches.

Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass can be found in cool, clear streams and large lakes primarily in southern Missouri. They prefer structure, such as rocks, where they can fnd fsh, crayfsh and aquatic insects to eat. Adult bass commonly run 10 to 18 inches.

White Bass White bass inhabit the deeper pools of streams and the open waters of lakes and reservoirs. They feed primarily on other fsh, but also may eat emerging aquatic insects. Adult white bass commonly run 9 to 15 inches.

Bluegill/Sunfsh Found in ponds, lakes, and streams, bluegills and sunfsh thrive in warm, clear water with aquatic vegetation and insects. They often feed in shallow water and can be caught on worms, crickets, or fies. Average size is about 6 inches.

Channel Catfsh Channel catfsh live in ponds, lakes, and streams, and bite on a variety of live, cut or prepared baits fshed on the bottom. The best fshing is at - ·.·::.,;::., .ir~:~ :·- _ night or following a heavy rain. Adults run 12 to '. . ··· .. , ..' •., .·..~ ..-.··~=---=---- · : .. . . .· _· .. - -~- 32 inches long. -~ ~ \ ,~~ ~~

Flathead Catfsh Flathead catfsh can be found in reservoirs or large streams with slow current. During the day, they prefer deeper water or cover. At night they move into rifes and shallow areas to feed upon other fsh and crayfsh. Adults commonly run 15 to 45 inches. Joseph Tomelleri Tomelleri Joseph

14 | An Introduction to Fishing Carp Carp prefer shallow water and feed on plant and animal material. They bite best on worms, canned corn, and dough balls. Carp usually range from 1 to 8 pounds, but often grow much larger. Their fesh is bony, but favorful.

White Crappie Crappie usually prefer cover, such as brush piles placed by anglers, and submerged trees. They bite best on small jigs or minnows fshed slowly and sometimes quite deep. These popular food fsh usually run from 9 to 11 inches.

Goggle-eye Goggle-eye, or rock bass, live in Ozark streams. They prefer nooks and crannies of root wads and undercut rocks in running water. They feed on crayfsh, small fsh and aquatic insects. Adult goggle-eye commonly run up to 11 inches.

Golden Redhorse Golden redhorse can be found primarily in Ozark and northeast Missouri streams. These bottom feeders prefer the deeper pools of clear, gravelly rivers and streams, where they feed on aquatic insects. Adults commonly run 9 to 15 inches.

Rainbow Trout Trout prefer cool, fowing water, but some are stocked in lakes in winter for anglers to catch. They bite on worms and insects and are a favorite of fy fshers. Trout typically range from 10 to 16 inches.

Walleye Walleye are native to large rivers and streams in Missouri and have been stocked in reservoirs and selected streams. They feed on a variety of fsh, including shad. They prefer deeper pools with rocky or submerged log cover in rivers, and creek channels and drop-ofs in lakes and reservoirs. Adult walleye commonly run 12 to 28 inches. Joseph Tomelleri Tomelleri Joseph

An Introduction to Fishing | 15 Where To Look

Fish require healthy surroundings, and essential fsh Cover habitat includes food, shelter, and good water quality. Fish might be found in water scarcely deep enough to cover Fish use cover to escape predators and as an aid in their backs, or they might swim in unfathomable depths. ambushing prey. Some fsh spend most of their lives near Each species of fsh may inhabit diferent places at cover; others move from cover only to feed. various times of the year and eat diferent foods. Cover can be loosely defned as anything that will hide Anglers have been trying to fgure out the intricacies or protect the fsh. Aquatic plants, docks, brush, rocks, of fsh location since people used bone fshhooks. There and logs all provide cover—as do overhanging trees, are still no absolutes, but we have discovered some pretty clifs, or swimming platforms, which shade the fsh and reliable indicators of fsh location. Study the stream and make them less visible to other fsh, predatory birds, and pond art on these pages for hints to fsh location. humans. Much cover is visible. Aquatic plants grow near the Food bank, fallen trees lean over the water, boat docks and swimming platforms rim the lake, fooded timber reaches Fish tend to concentrate where food is plentiful. Schools above the water’s surface, and loose rock often line of minnows or other prey will attract larger fsh to feed on shorelines. them. Fish take advantage of many feeding opportunities, A lot of cover cannot be seen. Underwater rocks including hatching insects and migrating frogs. and sunken logs, as well as fsh shelters of sticks, brush, Signs of small fsh activity can lead you to fshing or discarded Christmas trees that anglers have placed hotspots. Minnows darting above the surface are often to attract fsh can be found on many lake and river trying to escape from larger fsh. Numerous small fsh in the bottoms. shallows could mean that larger fsh will later arrive to feed.

Rocks Lake Basin Margin Flooded Points Timber and Shade

Stair Step Aquatic Plants Along Dropof

Submerged Stumps David Besenger David

16 | An Introduction to Fishing Deep Feeder Stream Mouths River Bends Behind Wing Dams Eddies Holes Below Riprap Banks Rifes

Structure better than the bright sun of midday. Cloud cover creates a twilight of its own and may encourage fsh to bite. Drop-ofs, points, ridges, and sandbars shape the beds of Catfsh, bass, crappie, and many other species of fsh lakes and rivers. These structural elements often attract will bite day or night. In some clear lakes, fshing is better more fsh than do fat or gently sloping bottoms. at night than during the day. Big fsh seem to be less You can fnd good places to fsh from clues on land or selective and easier to catch when it is dark. in the water. Land points often extend into a lake; a path Fishing at night is difcult even for experienced anglers. between fooded timber indicates an old river channel; a Beginning anglers can experiment with fshing at night break in a wave pattern reveals an underwater island and by fshing during the evening and continuing to fsh until the aquatic vegetation edge tells where the water has after dark. become too deep to allow sunlight to penetrate to the bottom. Weather Conditions Edges Weather conditions certainly afect fsh, but not always in predictable ways. The following statements often prove true: Feeding fsh seem to favor transition zones between • Fishing is good before and during a gentle rain but diferent habitats. The edge of a plant bed, for example, poor during and after a thunderstorm. usually produces the most fsh. In rivers, fsh often feed • Except in the heat of summer, warm fronts improve near current breaks, where the fow is defected or slowed. fshing, and the longer the front stays, the better. Cold These are often visible from the surface. fronts often reduce fsh movements. Similarly, the break between muddy and clear water, the • A light to moderate wind is better than no wind. Fish edges of main lake basins, the margin where mud bottom will move shallower to feed in windy conditions. Fishing meets gravel bottom and drop-ofs also attract fsh. is usually better where the wind blows into the shore than along protected shorelines. Deep or Shallow? • The best time to go fshing is whenever you safely can. Fish respond to both feeding opportunities and light levels. Generally, fsh are in shallower water in low light Patterns and choppy conditions, and in deeper water when the sun Patterning means using information you have learned is bright and winds are calm. from the fsh to fnd more fsh. We can assume whatever Fish are often shallower in the spring and early caused a fsh to locate in one place would prompt others summer. Summer heat sends fsh deeper to fnd cooler to be in similar places. temperatures, but not to the bottom, where there is little Catching a fsh of a windswept point, for example, oxygen. Fall fsh tend to remain deep. Fish in ice-covered could mean that other fsh will be located on that point lakes often stay near the surface, especially in late winter. and on similar points throughout the lake. What works for one fsh often works for others of the same species. Day or Night Patterns may hold for a few hours or all day, or they Fishing can be good at any time. However, fsh seem to may persist for weeks. Some patterns repeat themselves prefer the low-light conditions of morning and evening year after year. Experiment until you discover a pattern David Besenger David then use that pattern to catch more fsh. An Introduction to Fishing | 17 Let’s Go Fishing

Patience You can usually approach closer to fsh under cloudy or windy conditions or in fowing water. When fshing in Many fsh are constantly on the move, looking for food. streams, wear muted colors and keep a low profle. Try not You can either intercept them or wait for them to come to let your shadow fall over areas you are fshing. to you. If you know you are in a good spot—for example Stealth also applies to the way you present your bait where you have seen other people catching fsh or have or lure. Don’t cast directly to the spot where you think the caught them yourself—then it might be best to wait for fsh are. Instead, cast beyond it and reel until your bait or them to return. lure is among the fsh. If you are fshing unfamiliar waters, then it is often wiser to search for good fshing spots. Keep in mind, Recognizing a Bite however, that even the best fshing holes do not produce nonstop action. Patience has always been a virtue among Fish may hit a bait or lure ferociously, tentatively or anglers. somewhere in between, making it difcult to predict how you may see or feel a bite. Stealth Bobbers could jiggle, plunge downward or skate across the water. If the fsh swims upward after taking the bait, Being quiet is almost as important as being patient. The your stick bobber may lay fat or foat higher in the water. bigger the fsh the more skittish they are. Commotion on When bottom fshing, your rod tip may plunge a dock, along the shore or in a boat can scare fsh away downward or quiver, or your line may unexpectedly go or cause them to stop feeding. Conversation is fne, but slack. jumping or running or banging equipment will reduce If you are holding your fshing pole, you may feel a tap, your catch. Think sneaky. a tug or a pull, or the line may go slack. David Stonner Stonner David

18 | An Introduction to Fishing Setting the Hook When you suspect a bite, have your rod pointed in the direction of the bait or lure with no slack in the line. Setting the hook calls for a sharp backward and upward movement of the rod. Fish have tough mouths, so it takes a good sharp action to set the hook. Sharp hooks help ensure that the hook sets well. Beginning anglers sometimes set their hook too hard, which can break their line, straighten their hook, or pull the hook out of the fsh’s mouth. If your drag is set correctly, you can set the hook vigorously. Stretch in your line, the drag, and the bend of the fshing rod will absorb much of the pressure of the strike to keep from ripping the hook out. Playing the Fish After the hook is set, anglers should hold their rod tip high, keeping pressure on the fsh. This will keep the fsh’s head up and will help keep the line tight. Keeping the fsh’s head up is important because it reduces the chance of the fsh getting tangled in rocks, vegetation, or other structures. Keeping the line tight is important because it helps keep the hook embedded in the fsh’s mouth. If a fsh senses slack in the line, it may have a chance to shake the hook free, especially if the hook isn’t set well. or eyes or squeeze them too hard. Leave the fsh in the Playing a fsh is fun, but a fsh should be brought in water, if possible. as soon as possible if it is going to be released. Shorter Some fsh, like largemouth bass, can be grasped and playing time reduces fsh stress or death, which is lifted by their lower lip, which tends to calm them. Larger important in catch-and-release fshing. Allow the fsh to fsh should also have their midsections supported. Avoid run, taking line from the reel. Recover line by lifting the the sharp teeth of some species like walleye and trout, rod handle and then lowering the rod tip as you reel in, and be careful not to hook your fngers or hands when pumping the fsh closer. Last-moment struggles of fsh handling hooked fsh. often surprise anglers and result in lost fsh. When playing You should grasp small fsh around the body, fattening a large fsh, loosen the drag slightly as the fsh gets close. the spines as you slide your hand down over the head and midsection. Proper Fish Handling With catfsh, anglers should get a frm grip around the midsection, taking care to avoid the sharp spines in the Once a fsh is brought to shore, proper handling will dorsal and pectoral fns. help prevent injury to the angler and to the fsh. When Fish gills can be easily damaged, so anglers should not bringing in a fsh, anglers should be ready with necessary touch them or lift the fsh by the gill covers. equipment like a landing net and needle-nosed pliers or a similar tool for grabbing the hook. Net fsh head frst. Place your net in the water and guide the fsh toward it. When Hook Removal the fsh is over the net, lift it frmly and quickly. If you have Keep the fsh in water or directly in the angler’s wet hand. no net, play the fsh until it is tired and cradle it in your The hook can be removed by carefully backing it out hand. through the hole made in the lip when the hook was set. To avoid removing the protective slime coating on the If the hook is through the lip of a smaller fsh, hold the fsh, you should wet your hands before touching the fsh. body of the fsh and remove the hook with the other hand. Don’t let fsh fop on the ground or the boat bottom. They Hemostats or needle-nose pliers will help to remove hooks

Jim RathertJim could injure themselves. Don’t put fngers in their gills set deeper in the mouth, throat, or tongue of the fsh. An Introduction to Fishing | 19 With a deeply hooked fsh, it could do more harm to Prepare for easy release by squeezing barbs of hooks remove the hook than it would to simply clip the line. In fat with pliers or fling them of. Barbless hooks won’t this case, it is preferable to cut the line, leaving the hook cost you fsh, if you keep a tight line, and they allow you to still lodged in the fsh. Most deeply hooked fsh survive if unhook fsh without causing serious wounds. the line is clipped and the fsh is quickly released. Release fsh as soon as possible. There’s time for a quick picture of a fsh, but the longer the fsh remains out of the Keep or Release? water, the less its chances of surviving. A stressed fsh often can be revived, however. Hold it Some anglers fsh primarily for sport and release all the fsh gently and right-side up facing away from you in the water. they catch. Others like to eat some species or particular When you sense that it can swim away under its own sizes of fsh, but release all others. Many times regulations power, let it go. require us to release fsh. Fish have a good chance of surviving after being caught, if they are handled carefully. Released fsh can be caught over and over again. They grow large and produce even more fsh for our pleasure. There is nothing wrong with keeping fsh to eat, so long as you obey regulations. On the other hand, give every fsh you release, even small fsh and nontarget species, the respect of careful handling. Good catch-and-release technique begins even before you catch a fsh. Choose lines and equipment that will bring fsh in quickly, so they don’t exhaust all their energy in a prolonged battle. Fish often deeply swallow live bait, which can make releasing the fsh unharmed difcult. Use artifcial lures in favor of live bait if you plan to catch and release fsh. Fish that hit artifcial baits are less likely to be hooked deeply enough to damage vital organs and have a high survival rate.

Hung Up? It’s hard to imagine moving a hook and sinker through the water for any length of time without occasionally getting hung up on a rock, a stick, a log, a dock, a cable, plants, or some other object. Snags are part of fshing. When you get snagged, try to free the hook by holding your rod tip high and jiggling it. Often it helps to move to one side or the other to change the angle. If the hook remains snagged, you may need to break your line. Do not just pull hard with your fshing pole, or it may snap instead of the line. Point the rod tip at the snag, tighten your drag all the way or hold the spool, and steadily pull or Measuring back away until the line breaks or the hook pulls Measure most fsh from the tip of the snout to the free. Should the latter happen, check your hook end of the tail, with the fsh laid fat and the tail and replace it if it is bent or broken. If the line is lobes pressed together. frayed near the hook, cut it of and retie. Measuring Fish: Noppadol Paothong; Boy Fishing: David Stonner

20 | An Introduction to Fishing Cleaning

Cleaning fsh is easy after a little practice. You can clean fsh on a dock, paddle, cooler lid or fat rock. Many fshing accesses and parks provide fsh cleaning stations with water for rinsing fsh. Handy fsh cleaning tools include a sharp knife, a scaler and a glove to protect your hand and help grip the fsh. Cleaning fsh on old newspaper will make clean-up easy.

Fillet larger fsh by cutting down to the backbone behind the head and sliding the knife blade with a sawing motion toward the tail. Slice out the rib bones from top to bottom.

Remove the scales from small fsh that will be cooked whole or large fsh that will be steaked by scraping the skin with a dull knife, a spoon, or an inexpensive scaling tool.

Skin fllets by cutting down to the skin near the tail, turning the knife blade and, pulling frmly on the tail section, sliding and sawing the knife between the skin and the fesh.

Most anglers choose to fllet and skin bass, crappie, walleye, and carp. Sunfsh and bluegill are usually scaled and pan- dressed. Remove the head, entrails and pectoral fns from Pan-dress fsh by cutting along the sides of the fns on trout. Trout scales are so small, it is not necessary to remove the back and behind the stomach and pulling them out. them. Peel the tough skin from catfsh with pliers and Cut of the head, then slit the belly and scrape out the fllet the meat or cut it into chunks. Steak very large fsh by entrails. cutting down through the backbone at 1-inch intervals. Clif White

An Introduction to Fishing | 21 Cooking

Fish tastes great and is good for you. It is high in digestible crumbs, cornmeal, or seasoned four before cooking. Drain protein and low in fat. Fish is a wonderful natural food, the pieces on paper towels before serving. especially when you are eating the ones you caught yourself. Some people can be sensitive to certain chemicals Deep frying occasionally found in fsh. The Missouri Department of Use a thermometer to ensure your deep frying oil is Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has a website that between 360 and 380 degrees. You can deep fry in a skillet describes the fsh consumption advisories and list problem by using enough oil to completely submerge the fsh. waters. You can view that at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zwb. Dip the fsh in batter and place them gently in the oil. Fish can be fried, smoked, broiled, baked, poached, Avoid overcrowding them. Cook from 2-5 minutes until steamed, microwaved, or boiled, or put in chowders or golden brown. Dry on paper towels. Allow the oil to reheat stews. Use simple recipes that let the fne favor of the fsh between batches. come through. Follow recipes carefully and don’t overcook. Baking Fish fesh is done when it becomes opaque and fakes Baking works well for large fsh. Line a shallow baking dish easily. Test for doneness by probing the thickest portions with aluminum foil for easy removal of the fsh. Baste the with a fork. If the fesh fakes easily or separates from fsh with a seasoned butter and lemon juice mixture, cover the bone, it is done. Further cooking will detract from its the pan with aluminum foil or a lid and cook for 10 to 30 favor and texture. minutes, depending on the thickness of the fsh, at 375 As is the case with sweet corn, the sooner you can get degrees. Test frequently to see if the fsh is done. Baste the the fsh to the table, the better it will taste. Fish fesh is fsh in its own juices during cooking for more favor. Save sterile when it comes out of the water but it starts to go the pan juices for soups or sauces. bad quickly, unless you take care of it. Preserve the quality of the fsh you catch by keeping them alive or by keeping Broiling and Barbecuing them cold. The high heat of broiling and barbecuing can dry fsh During cool months, live baskets, stringers or live wells fesh, unless they are basted often with sauce or oils. Broil will keep your fsh alive until it’s time to go home. When skin side up frst, then turn carefully. Thin fllets do not fshing in warmer months, bring along a cooler of ice to need turning. A small amount of liquid in the broiling pan keep your catch in. Drain the cooler occasionally, so that will help keep fsh moist. When barbecuing, use a basket- dead fsh do not soak in the water. like fsh holder sprayed with cooking oil. Use fsh quickly. Refrigerated fsh begin to lose their favor after only 24 hours. Frozen fsh start to deteriorate in Microwaving quality after two to four months. Place fsh in a dish or on a plate with the thickest portions Some fsh, such as white bass and largemouth bass, have to the outside. Brush fsh with butter/lemon mixture and a strong-tasting dark layer of fesh along their lateral lines cover with waxed paper. If fsh “pops,” cook at a lower that should be cut away before being cooked or frozen. setting. Check for doneness frequently. Add liquid and seasonings and cover dish to poach or steam fsh. Pan-frying All fsh are excellent candidates for the frying pan. Cooking oil keeps the fesh Cooking Methods moist, and a coating keeps the fsh’s natural juices from cooking out. Pan Fry Deep Fry Bake Broil Barbeque Microwave Dust pan-dressed small fsh or the Sunfsh ★ ★ ● ● ● ● fllets from larger fsh in seasoned four Bluegill ★ ★ ● ● ● ● and place them in an open, heavy skillet Catfsh ● ★ ● ● in which about 1/4 inch of cooking oil ★ ● ● ★ ★ ● has been heated to almost “foaming.” Bass Don’t crowd the fsh or they will come out Trout ● ★ ★ ★ ● soggy. Cook each side over medium heat Walleye ★ ★ ★ ● ★ until brown. The fesh fakes easily when Carp ● ★ done. ● ★ For a thicker coating, dip fllets in milk Sucker or beaten egg and then coat them with ★ Excellent ● Good

22 | An Introduction to Fishing Fishing Rules/Regulations

Fishing regulations make fshing better. The regulations • Game fsh not hooked in the mouth or jaw must be help us share our aquatic resources. Length limits give returned to the water unharmed immediately after fsh an opportunity to grow and spawn while slot limits being caught. provide us with fsh of varying lengths. Daily and Possession Limits Golden Rules The fshing regulations list limits for most species of The simple courtesies and conventions of fshing all fall fsh. While on the water, you can possess no more than under the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have the daily limit for that area. Possession limit is twice the them do unto you. statewide daily limit, which also includes fsh in your Everyone has a right to the fsh. Don’t crowd other vehicle, cooler, refrigerator, or freezer. anglers to the point where you tangle lines. Shouting, screaming, playing loud music, throwing Live Bait rocks into the water, and other noises can scare the fsh While live bait may be collected and used for fshing in and ruin the fun of other anglers. some areas, there are regulations about what may be Fishing does not give you the right to trespass. Ask used for bait and how it may be collected. Also, live bait is permission before fshing and show respect for private prohibited in some fshing areas. property. Do not dump your unused bait into the water. Doing Dispose of all your litter, including bait containers, cans, so can spread invasive species. Unused live bait of all fshing line, and fshing equipment packages. types should be disposed of in a trash dumpster when Watch your backcast so you don’t hook angling your fshing trip is over. Otherwise, unwanted animals and companions or other anglers. Alert others before trying to plants can invade local water, damage habitat, and ruin pull a snagged lure free, for the lure could sail back in your fshing. direction. Observe all fshing regulations. Length limits, seasons, daily or possession limits, and restrictions on methods are part of the overall management of the fsheries. The future of fshing requires anglers to heed regulations. Fishing Permit Everyone over the age of 15 and under the age of 65 must have a permit to fsh in Missouri. The exceptions are residents and members of their households fshing on waters completely enclosed by their property and people with certifable disabilities. On some specially managed waters, such as trout parks, anglers also need a daily tag. Daily, annual, and lifetime permits are available. See the current A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations for details, or go to mdc.mo.gov. General Rules Length limits, daily limits, and seasons vary somewhat on specially managed bodies of water. Specifc rules can be found in the fshing regulations and are often posted at accesses and fshing areas. Several general rules apply to most angling situations: • Rod and reel anglers are limited to three unlabeled poles at one time. • The fsh you keep must be kept separate or identifable from fsh taken by another person.

An Introduction to Fishing | 23 Where to wet a line Sport Fish Restoration Program Now that you know how to fsh, go online to Anglers across the nation are paying the bills for fnd conservation areas where you can put your fsheries research and management; development skills to use. The Conservation Department’s of new fshing lakes, and lake and stream accesses; online atlas will help you fnd a place near you or fsh hatcheries and educational programs, across the state to fsh, hunt, hike, and enjoy the and other activities aimed at maintaining and outdoors. Go to mdc.mo.gov/atlas. improving sport fshing. A special tax on each The free “MO Fishing” app (short.mdc.mo.gov/ purchase of fshing tackle, related items, and Zoh) will help plan your next fshing trip. Search motorboat fuel goes into the Wallop-Breaux for nearby bodies of water and view whether it Trust Fund, which is dedicated to recreational has fsh attractors, boat ramps, parking lots, or fsheries and related boating. State fsh and restrooms available for public use. You can also wildlife agencies are allocated money from the view a fsh identifcation guide, the current fshing fund based on area of surface water in the state report and fshing prospects, and purchase your and the number of licensed anglers. This funding fshing permit. Try it now! arrangement, known as the Sport Fish Restoration Program, is hailed as a model of efcient “pay- .. ooo AT&T Llt: 9:43 AM W 55'11 your-own-way” fnancing. The Missouri Department of Conservation receives monies every year from the fund, paid as reimbursements for 75 percent of the cost of approved projects. Keep your eyes open for the Sport Fish Restoration Program logo, shown here. You should fnd it on fshing tackle packaging and displayed at areas where the funds were used.